J1 Braille Volume Mailing Container Requirements Version 0.1.2 (2 Pages).xlsx
XLSX spreadsheet 13 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Braille Mailing Containers
- Solicitation number
- 2026-NLS-0043
- Issued by
-
Library of Congress
About this file
This is a technical requirements specification document for braille mailing containers that will be used by the National Library Service (NLS) at the Library of Congress to distribute braille books and magazines to patrons. The specification defines detailed requirements for two types of containers: standard-size and large-size braille mailing containers, with the procurement consisting of approximately 80% standard-size and 20% large-size units.
The container dimensions must accommodate a maximum braille volume of 3¾" H × 11½" W × 13" L internally, with external dimensions not exceeding 4⅜" H × 12¼" W × 14" L. Containers must be constructed from non-toxic, dark-colored materials that resist scuffing and fading, and must maintain structural integrity when exposed to extreme temperature and humidity conditions ranging from -50°F to 140°F. The containers must achieve an IP51 ingress protection rating per IEC standard 60529 and withstand a three-drop test from 36" height without material separation. Closures must require 9-12 lbs of force to open while remaining closed under less than 9 lbs of applied force. Each container requires a handle that lays flat when unused, an address card holder for 3" × 5" cards, and preprinted markings in Arial font identifying the mail as "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" and the property of the US Government Library of Congress. Markings must remain visible after scratching and rubbing tests. The containers must provide water protection rated to 1 mm rainfall per minute for 10 minutes and include dust protection while maintaining compatibility with automated postal mail handling equipment.
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Text version
Sheet1
| Attachment J-1 | |
| Braille Volume Mailing Container Requirements | |
| version 0.1.3 | |
| 5/20/26 | |
| ID | Requirement |
| 1 | Dimension |
| 1.1 | The container shall have sufficient internal dimensions to hold a single NLS Braille volume (maximum 3 3/4 " H x 11 1/2 " W x 13" L) |
| 1.2 | The external dimensions of the container shall not exceed 4 3/8" H x 12 1/4" W x 14" L |
| 1.3 | When not in use, the container shall lay sufficiently flat so as to facilitate stacking, packing, and storage |
| 2 | Container Material |
| 2.1 | Materials which may cause bodily harm by contact, inhalation, or ingestions shall not be used in construction of the container |
| 2.2 | Container shall not deteriorate or show evidence of decrease in strength and functionality when exposed to conditions of temperature 115 degrees F + 10 degrees and 90% relative humidity for 24 hours |
| 2.3 | Container shall not deteriorate or show evidence of decrease in strength and functionality when exposed to conditions of temperature -50 degrees F - 10 degrees and 20% relative humidity for 24 hours |
| 2.4 | Container shall not deteriorate or show evidence of decrease in strength and functionality when exposed to conditions of temperature 140 degrees F + 10 degrees and 20% relative humidity for 24 hours |
| 2.5 | Container shall be dark in color so as to avoid showing wear. |
| 2.6 | The material used in construction of the container shall resist scuffing and fading. |
| 2.7 | In dyed materials, all dyes must remain fast after exposure to the temperature and humidity extremes described in 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, or after exposure to water. |
| 3 | Braille Volume Protection |
| 3.1 | Container shall protect the braille volume from physical damage |
| 3.2 | Container shall have an ingress protection rating of IP51 according to IEC standard 60529 |
| 3.3 | There shall be no separation of container materials or gaps in the construction after subjecting the container configured for mailing to the drop test defined below. |
| 1) place a container fully configured for mailing, but empty, face down on the floor | |
| 2) place a four pound object approximating the dimensions of a braille volume into a second container | |
| 3) raise the second container to a height of 36" (measured from the lowest point of the second container) | |
| 4) drop the second container so as to strike the center of the rear face of the first container (test unit) with one edge | |
| 5) repeat the test for a total of 3 drops | |
| 4 | Markings |
| 4.1 | The text "Free Matter for the Blind or Handicapped" shall be printed on the front of the container. Characters shall be .313 tall, Arial font. |
| 4.2 | The text "Property of the US Government, Library of Congress, National Library Services for the Blind and Print Disabled, Washington, DC 20542" shall be printed on the front of the container. Characters shall be .438 tall, Arial font. |
| 4.3 | The text of the month and year of manufacture shall be stamped on the inside of the closure. Characters shall be .188 tall, Arial font. |
| 4.4 | Markings shall not be visibly degraded to the unaided eye after scratching 10 times with a fingernail |
| 4.5 | Markings shall not be visibly degraded to the unaided eye after rubbing with a finger for 10 seconds |
| 5 | Handle |
| 5.1 | The container shall have a handle to allow for easy movement or use by hand |
| 5.2 | The handle shall not hinder or otherwise prevent the container from processing by automated postal mail handling equipment |
| 5.3 | The handle shall lay flat when not in use |
| 5.4 | There shall be no separation of the handle from the container after subjecting to the drop test defined below. |
| 1) a four pound object approximating the dimensions of a braille volume is inserted into the container | |
| 2) container is suspended by a chain fastened to the center of the handle | |
| 3) container with simulated braille volume is raised 12" above concrete floor then dropped | |
| 4) repeat test for a total of 2 drops | |
| 6 | Closure |
| 6.1 | The container shall have a closure that sufficiently prevents the braille volume from falling out during transit. |
| 6.2 | The container closure shall remain closed by an applied force of less than 9 lbs. |
| 6.3 | The container closure shall open by an applied force of greater than or equal to 9 lbs and less than 12 lbs. |
| 7 | Address Card Holder |
| 7.1 | The container shall have an address card holder capable of holding a 3" x 5" address card. |
| 7.2 | The address card holder shall not obscure any portion of the address information printed on the card once the card is inserted. This includes any movement of the address card during transit. |
| 7.3 | The address card holder shall prevent the address card from falling out during transit |
| 7.4 | The address card holder shall not prevent processing of the mailing container in automated postal mail handling equipment. |
| 8 | Dust Protection |
| 8.1 | Ingress of dust is not entirely prevented, but it must not enter in sufficient quantity to interfere with the satisfactory operation of the equipment. |
| 9 | Water Protection |
| 9.1 | Dripping water |
| 9.2 | Test duration: 10 minutes |
| 9.3 | Water equivalent to 1 mm rainfall per minute |
| 9.4 | Dripping water (vertically falling drops) shall have no harmful effect on the specimen when mounted in an upright position onto a turntable and rotated at 1 RPM. |
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